Savory Mushroom Cheese Pizza

The pizza is sliced into eight equal pieces, with one slice partially removed, showcasing its gooey, appetizing interior. Presented on parchment paper atop a baking tray, the pizza is set in a cozy kitchen environment with salt shakers, cups, and a wooden spice rack in the background.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 ⅓ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Topping:
  • ½ cup (120ml) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Clean kitchen towel
• Rolling pin
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Oven

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, then sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
   • Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
3. Shape the Dough:
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle (or rectangular shape for the tray).
   • Transfer the dough to the prepared baking tray.
4. Add Toppings:
   • Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange mushroom slices on top.
   • Sprinkle oregano and basil, and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake the Pizza:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes, then slice into 8 pieces. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade pizza!

This recipe is a great starting point for learning pizza-making basics, from dough preparation to baking techniques!